Isabella Community Soup Kitchen seeks new director, more volunteers

Executive Director of the Isabella County Soup Kitchen Genny Sobaski talks with some of the volunteers at the soup kitchen Monday, July 1, 2013. Sobaski has volunteered at the soup kitchen for over 20 years and more than 10 of those as the Executive Director. "It has been great, it is a challenge though because we are growing," said Sobaski. (Sun photo by KEN KADWELL/@KenKadwell).

After more than 10 years as executive director of the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, Genny Sobaski is retiring.

“I have mixed feelings because I enjoy being here and everything, but I’m looking forward to getting things done that I need to do,” Sobaski said.

Sobaski said the search for her replacement just started two weeks ago.

Over the last two Sundays, a personnel committee has put out an ad for the position and started receiving resumes.

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Sobaski said she will begin training the new director in October.

“I will be done in November if all goes well,” she said.

Sobaski said right now, she’s very hands-off in the application process, but said she will discuss the qualifications of possible applicants later down the road.

In addition to searching for a new director, the kitchen is also looking for more volunteers.

Summers are usually shorthanded, Sobaski said, because many volunteers go on holiday vacations and students leave town for the season.

Sobaski said those interested in volunteering can just call in.

“Whatever their availability, we’ll work with them,” she said.

The kitchen opens at 8 a.m. and closes between 1:30 and 2 p.m.

Sobaski said in addition to daily operation, the kitchen also has several fundraisers each year.

The annual bake sale will be held Aug. 24 at Walmart, and the kitchen will host an appreciation party for its volunteers in October.

The kitchen will hold its annual soup and bread fundraiser Nov. 8 as well.

Sobaski said she will help out at every event.

“It’s a very sad time to see Genny go,” kitchen administrative assistant Linda Harris said. “She’s a wonderful boss (and) a great example, role model for me.”

Harris said she applied for Sobaski’s position, but regardless of whether she gets it, she will be prepared to help the new director.

“After five years of experience, I feel that I’ll be able to be very helpful to the new director,” she said.

Sobaski said she will miss being around the people.

“I just really enjoy working here with everyone, the volunteers and staff — they’re all great people,” she said.

But, Sobaski said, she’s “way overdue” to retire.

Her retirement won’t stop her from making appearances at the kitchen though.

Sobaski said she will likely be back to volunteer, especially for soup and bread fundraiser, which is one of the biggest events for the kitchen.

“I’ll probably be coming,” she said. “I know I would like to come back here.”

Randi Shaffer is a reporter at the Morning Sun. She can be reached at 989-779-6059, rshaffer@michigannewspapers.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/randi.shaffer.